09 July 2020

Ronald Schwary, Oscar-winning producer of Ordinary People dies, aged 76

Ronald Schwary, the Oscar-winning producer of the 1980 movie ‘Ordinary People’ has died, aged 76.

His sons Neil and Brian confirmed their father died last Thursday in West Hollywood.

Schwary was forced to retire five years ago after struggling with a rare neurological disorder.

Neil said in a statement: "Over the years, he fought hard to be the best version of himself that he could be, still constantly joking and laughing no matter how hard the day was. 

"His zest for life still remained through the trials and tribulations of his disease."

His successful career began in 1976 with ‘Shadow of the Hawk’, followed by Absence of Malice’ in 1981, ‘A Solider’s Story' in 1984 and ‘Scent of a Woman’ in 1992.

Schwary also dipped into acting and featured in films such as ‘Tootsie’ in 1982 and ‘Sabrina’ in 1995.

When accepting the Academy Award for ‘Ordinary People’ in 1981, he said: "As far back as four-and-a-half years ago, when Robert Redford acquired the novel, he strongly believed that this could be a very special film.

“This belief, along with his sensitive direction, was the inspiration behind the project. I want to thank Bob for giving me the opportunity to produce this picture, and I want to say he must come up here and share this with me. Bob, wherever you are, come on up.”

 

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